Heather Wright Blames Husband for Teen Daughter Anna Kepner’s Death on Carnival Cruise; Estranged Mother Says She Was Kept Out of Daughter’s Life

Heather Wright, the estranged biological mother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, is publicly blaming her ex-partner—Anna’s father—for decisions she believes contributed to their daughter’s death onboard a Carnival Cruise earlier this month. Authorities recently ruled Anna’s death a homicide.

Wright spoke out after criticism surfaced online regarding her years-long estrangement from her daughter, which followed her separation from Christopher Kepner, 41, and past struggles with substance abuse. Wright maintains she was kept out of Anna’s life and prevented from maintaining consistent communication.

Wright Claims Father Put Daughter in Harm’s Way

In an interview with Fox News, Wright said she is struggling to cope with her daughter’s death and accused Anna’s father of painting her as a villain while making decisions that placed Anna at risk. She specifically criticized the choice to have Anna share a cabin with her 16-year-old stepbrother—the same room where her body was later discovered.

“Why am I the bad guy?” Wright said. “He put them in the same room together.”

Previous reports have alleged that the stepbrother had become fixated on Anna and had expressed a desire to date her—claims that Anna’s ex-boyfriend reportedly warned her father about. These details, however, have not been officially confirmed by investigators.

Limited Details Released About Cruise Ship Homicide

Authorities say Anna’s body was found on November 6, hidden under a bed in the cabin she shared with her 16-year-old stepbrother, identified on social media as Timothy “Tim” Hudson, and her 14-year-old biological brother. Federal investigators have not made any arrests but have reportedly focused attention on the stepbrother as a suspect.

Heather Wright Blames Husband for Teen Daughter Anna Kepner’s Death on Carnival Cruise; Estranged Mother Says She Was Kept Out of Daughter’s Life

Anna, from Titusville, Florida, had been traveling on a “dream” Caribbean cruise with her blended family—including her father, stepmother Shauntel Hudson, siblings, and grandparents—when the tragedy occurred.

Estranged Mother Says She Was Excluded From Obituary and Memorial

Wright also criticized the handling of communication after her daughter’s death. She claims her ex did not inform her immediately, initially excluded her from Anna’s online obituary, and barred her from attending the memorial service—prompting her to attend discreetly and without being seen.

“They said I never went, but I did,” Wright said.
“I didn’t want to be seen… even though Chris said he would have me arrested for back child support.”

Wright, who now lives in Oklahoma, maintains that she attempted to stay in touch with Anna over the years but was prevented from maintaining a relationship.

“She was my daughter, and I loved her with all of my heart and soul,” she said.
“The song ‘I Am Not Okay’ by Jelly Roll is exactly how I feel.”

Authorities have not released further information as the investigation remains ongoing.